297: The land of Lingxu appears!

The eastern part of Tiandu City!

The Gui Xu Forbidden Land, which had been silent for several years, was unusually lively today.

The absolute Forbidden Ground, which used to strike fear into people's hearts, was now bustling with activity, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi soared into the sky, and an endless aura of pressure swept through the entire Gui Xu Forbidden Land.

Around the altar in the center of the Forbidden Ground, there were countless crowds, packed tightly!

Upon closer inspection, they were all energetic young faces.

The princes and princesses of the Great Xia Dynasty, dressed in royal robes, exuded an air of nobility.

At the same time, there were some people who were not inferior to the members of the Great Xia Dynasty.

These were the direct descendants of the Eight Great Families, gathered in groups of three or five, their jade pendants shimmering in the sunlight.

Furthermore, there were True Disciples of the Five Transcendent Forces, standing with their hands behind their backs, their Gale Force circulating around them.

In front of these countless Prodigies, more than a dozen figures stood like ancient mountains.

These peerless powerhouses, who could make Great Xia tremble with a stomp of their feet, were now gathered in this Gui Xu Forbidden Land.

The eight Old Ancestors appeared to be standing casually, but in reality, they embodied mysterious Heaven and Earth Laws!

Some were sitting cross-legged in mid-air, others stood with their hands behind their backs, each person surrounded by a unique Dao rhyme.

Some were like deep pools and towering Peaks, others like gentle breezes caressing willows, and some even caused the space around them to subtly distort.

The Sect Leaders of the Five Transcendent Forces each had their own distinct demeanor.

The leading figure was a green-robed Old Daoist with a youthful face and white hair, a white jade whisk draped over his arm.

His three thousand silver strands fluttered in the wind, and beneath his feet, faint blue lotus phantoms seemed to bloom; he was none other than Ying Lingfeng, the Sect Leader of the Dao Xu Sect, the foremost of the Five Transcendent Forces.

Not far from Ying Lingfeng, a grey-robed old monk had his eyes slightly closed, his face as compassionate as a reborn Maitreya.

The golden prayer beads in the old monk's hand slowly rotated, and with each bead, faint Buddhist chants could be heard; he was precisely Great Master Xinjie, the Abbot of Jingxin Temple!

The most eye-catching figure was a white-robed old man, his robes whiter than snow, a Sword Cultivator suspended in the air.

Although the ancient sword at his waist was still sheathed, a sharp Sword Qi already shot straight into the sky.

He was the Sect Leader of the Sword Spirit Sect, Zuo Hengjian!

Flames surged around the red-robed old man, distorting even the air beside him.

The formidable reputation of Gu Yanzhi, the Sect Leader of the Extreme Flame Holy Gate, was forged from the bones of countless powerhouses.

And the last one, a purple-clad woman, was exceptionally beautiful.

She was the Sect Leader of the Xuan Yin Immortal Palace, Yue Wushuang.

Yue Wushuang's fair, delicate hands gently caressed the zither in front of her, and as her vermilion lips slightly parted, immortal music seemed to linger.

However, deep within those captivating eyes, a heart-palpitating purple mist phantom was hidden.

These supreme figures, who were normally impossible to meet, were beings whose mere stomp could shake Great Xia.

And today, these great figures gathered in Gui Xu, precisely because...

Today was the time for the Lingxu Land to appear!

However, everyone's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the sight in the sky above.

Nine snow-white horses trod through the Void Realm, each with crystalline Dragon horns and faint white light surging beneath their hooves.

The Son of Heaven's carriage they pulled floated among the clouds, with patterns of the sun, moon, and stars flowing ceaselessly on its dark Xuan-colored curtains.

Nine Xuan Bird patterns, with wings poised for flight, were lifelike, as if they could break through the Void Realm at any moment.

Around the Son of Heaven's carriage, space twisted and deformed under the imperial pressure, even light bent around it.

Above the sky, three peerless figures stood in the air, like banished immortals descending to the mortal world, guarding the Son of Heaven's carriage.

Plum Blossom Guard Commander Man Qingqiu wore a pink cloud-patterned skirt, with a light green jade belt cinching her waist, accentuating her graceful figure.

Royal Concubine Man Qingqiu's eyes held a natural charm, yet also a hint of cool aloofness.

Shangguan Yuqing, the Golden Emissary of the Black Feather Guard, stood proudly, her gilded mask shimmering with mysterious light under the sunlight.

On her dark Xuan-colored brocade robe, golden threads embroidered black feather patterns, lifelike.

As Shangguan Yuqing breathed, the patterns subtly rose and fell, as if they could take flight at any moment.

Her slender jade fingers gently pressed the sword at her waist; although still sheathed, it already exuded a biting chill.

The most mysterious Master of the Xuan Bird Guard Division Zi Yao, draped in light purple gauze, stood silently above the clouds, her purple robes fluttering without wind, surrounded by faint purple mist.

Occasionally, when her eyes moved, thousands of stars seemed to flicker within them, making it impossible to look directly at her.

These three peerless beauties, each with their own unique charm, all exuded a suffocatingly powerful aura.

Their seemingly casual stances actually formed a protective circle around the Son of Heaven's carriage.

At this moment, even the howling Gale Force in the sky quietly dissipated three feet in front of them.

Amidst this extremely solemn atmosphere, the curtains of the carriage fluttered without wind.

A slender jade hand reached out, faint black Xuan-light swirling around its fingertips.

At this moment, the entire Heaven and Earth fell silent—Empress Xia Mingyue was about to appear.

The next moment, Empress Xia Mingyue slowly stepped out.

She wore a dark Xuan-colored imperial robe, and beneath her twelve-stringed crown, her face was captivating, her Phoenix eyes opening and closing as if galaxies were created and destroyed.

Empress Xia Mingyue merely stood there, causing all the Martial Arts Prodigies present to involuntarily hold their breath.

"We pay our respects to Your Majesty!"

Amidst the thunderous cheers of worship, Empress Xia Mingyue's vermilion lips parted slightly: "The Lingxu Land is about to appear; you all should act wisely and within your capabilities!"

Empress Xia Mingyue's simple words, however, caused a sudden violent tremor in a certain direction on the ground.

The earth trembled like an awakening Dragon, and deep, bottomless fissures cracked open on its surface.

"Boom—!"

A brilliant, pure white pillar of light shot into the sky, piercing through the thick, boundless clouds and reaching directly into the heavens.

Countless Heaven and Earth patterns circulated within the white light pillar, emitting heart-palpitating spatial fluctuations.

"It's the Gate of Lingxu!"

"The teleportation channel has opened!"

Exclamations erupted from the crowd.

The pillar of light gradually condensed into a majestic white light gate, its frame carved with intricate ancient patterns.

Through the light gate, a vast and ancient Heaven and Earth scene was vaguely visible.

That was the legendary Lingxu Land!

Just as everyone was in awe, nine illusory white chains suddenly appeared around the light gate, firmly binding it.

Obscure and difficult-to-understand Heaven and Earth patterns were inscribed on the chains, clearly restricting the Realm of those who entered.

Empress Xia Mingyue's Phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and she softly said: "The Restriction of the Lingxu Land is still in place; those over thirty years old are not allowed to enter."

"Everyone, a supreme Opportunity is before you; rely on your own abilities."

At this critical moment, all the Prodigies' gazes simultaneously turned towards the Son of Heaven's carriage above the clouds.

The scene instantly fell silent, even breathing could be clearly heard.

Empress Xia Mingyue's Phoenix eyes lowered slightly, her hands clasped behind her back, instantly freezing the previously restless atmosphere.

As for why Empress Xia Mingyue had not yet given her permission, it was naturally because someone had not yet arrived.

And the Old Ancestors of the Eight Great Families below, as well as the Sect Leaders of the Five Transcendent Forces, tacitly remained silent, standing still.

Lu Xuan!

This fellow.

What an arrogant display!

Throughout the world, only this peerless Prodigy, rarely seen in eons, could make the Great Xia Emperor and the various major forces wait for him alone.

If it were anyone else, putting aside everything else, just Gu Yanzhi, the Sect Leader of the Extreme Flame Holy Gate among the Five Transcendent Forces, would definitely not let it go.

This old ghost, with his fiery temper and hands stained with countless people's blood...

He would probably unleash an Extreme Flame Palm without hesitation on the spot, giving the other party a painful lesson.

However, those familiar with Lu Xuan were already used to this; they felt no surprise at all.

Lu Xuan, this fellow, seemed to have never had the habit of arriving early.

As time slowly passed, the Martial Arts Prodigies of the various major forces, including members of the Great Xia Dynasty, gradually noticed the increasingly heavy atmosphere.

An indescribable strangeness permeated the air.

"Your humble servant is late, please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

A clear voice suddenly pierced the sky, and a purple stream of light swiftly arrived from beyond the heavens.

The Void Realm rippled like water, and Lu Xuan stepped out, surrounded by a faint purple glow.

He landed steadily in the center of the altar and bowed slightly towards Empress Xia Mingyue.

Everyone's here, so it seems I'm not late.

Lu Xuan felt no guilt in his heart, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the white light gate.

The power emanating from that white light portal shook his mind.

This power, like that of the Earth Venerable Realm Yao Beast, was the power of the Small World's rules.

A supreme power that transcended the Heaven and Earth Laws of the Void Realm True Lord!

"Is this the Lingxu Land?"

Lu Xuan thought to himself, his eyes blazing with light.

He could clearly sense that the Opportunity contained within the Heaven and Earth behind the gate was enough to cause a qualitative leap in his Cultivation.

After saluting Empress Xia Mingyue, Lu Xuan subtly scanned the entire scene.

He finally fixed his gaze on the Old Ancestors of the Eight Great Families and the Sect Leaders of the Five Transcendent Forces.

The reason Lu Xuan appeared last was not because he wanted others to wait for him.

It was because of these dozen terrifying Lao Jiahuo (Old fellow)s below.

Seven days ago, after Lu Xuan was injured by that terrifying bird-shaped Yao Beast, he hastily found an unknown place to recover his injuries to normal.

Before ensuring his strength had recovered to its Peak state, Lu Xuan would not easily appear before the world.

Especially not in front of these dozen Lao Jiahuo (Old fellow)s who harbored hostility towards him.

Finally, Lu Xuan's gaze returned to the Son of Heaven's carriage in the clouds, only to find Empress Xia Mingyue thoughtfully observing him.

"Minister Lu, no need for formalities!"

This Lu Xuan, indeed, still possessed an extremely mysterious body tempering Cultivation Technique for protection.

He was actually able to retreat completely unharmed in front of that Yao Emperor, without even a single injury.

Clearly, Empress Xia Mingyue knew about Lu Xuan's encounter that day.

It was Purple Yao who, while rushing to support Lu Xuan, had seen from afar the scene of Lu Xuan being attacked by that Yao Emperor.

"Isn't that the Chief Examiner?!"

At this moment, several startled exclamations suddenly rang out from the crowd.

They were the young Martial Artist who had ranked among the top three in the Martial Arts Competition.

At this moment, their eyes were wide, staring in disbelief at the suddenly appearing Lu Xuan.

Their weapons unconsciously drooped, their faces filled with shock and confusion.

"How could the Examiner appear here?"

A burly young man in a capable black martial arts uniform muttered to himself, his heavy sword clanging to the ground.

The white-robed Sword Cultivator beside the burly young man's pupils constricted: "Could it be..."

His slender fingers unconsciously caressed the sword hilt, his Adam's apple bobbing.

The youngest of the three, a green-clad girl, suddenly covered her mouth: "Could it be that the Examiner also wants to..."

Her words were left unfinished, but the other two understood her meaning.

This unfathomable Chief Examiner was also a young generation under thirty years old!

This thought struck the three like lightning.

They clearly remembered that in the Martial Arts Competition a few days ago, this Chief Examiner was a super important figure who ranked above the Left and Right Prime Ministers of Great Xia!

Impossible!

The green-clad girl looked at Lu Xuan's tall back, a strange glint flashing in her eyes.

And at this moment, Lu Xuan seemed to sense something and turned back to smile slightly in the direction of the three.

Lu Xuan's benevolent smile was calm and unhurried, yet it sent shivers down the spines of the three Prodigies simultaneously.

They felt as if they were looking at a primordial beast in slumber, lazily surveying its prey.

In fact, it wasn't just these three who felt uneasy; there were also some younger generations from various major forces who had already received the news.

They knew the true strength of the one above.

Void Realm True Lord!

That was a supreme powerful being of the same Rank as their own Old Ancestors!

A great terror that could annihilate these ants with just a glance!

Thinking of Lu Xuan, this out-of-place great god, entering the Lingxu Land with them...

Everyone present felt a complex and strange mix of emotions.

Why does it feel a bit off?

It's like a group of harmless, weak rabbits suddenly having a tiger, the king of beasts, mixed in among them.

After a few breaths, Empress Xia Mingyue's eyes flickered, and her red lips parted: "Since everyone has arrived..."

"Granted."

A single, simple word, yet it exploded like thunder.

Almost at the same instant—

"Whoosh!"

"Swish!"

"Swoosh!"

Sharp whistling sounds tore through the air, ceaseless and intertwined.

Those Martial Arts Prodigies who were usually calm and composed...

At this moment, their eyes burned with intense desire, no longer able to suppress their inner urgency.

Like arrows released from a bowstring, they swiftly darted towards the softly glowing white light gate.

Upon seeing this, Lu Xuan stood steadily in the vast Void Realm.

He allowed the howling winds to sweep past, making his robes flutter loudly.

Lu Xuan was not in a hurry to act, his gaze calmly overlooking the scene below.

Watching the young Martial Artist surge into the light gate like a tide, vying for entry.

Lu Xuan suddenly felt several scorching gazes fall upon him, one of them particularly intense.

He followed the sensation and looked, his gaze piercing through the crowded people, finding that familiar figure below.

Li Yanran.

She was still wearing her azure Blackbird Guard uniform, looking out of place among the richly dressed Prodigies.

Time seemed to be particularly kind to this woman, not diminishing her beauty, but rather adding a touch of mature charm to her already exquisite face.

The Xuan Bird-patterned jade belt cinching her waist accentuated her graceful curves, and a delicate green hair ornament in her hair made her appear as pure and ethereal as a secluded orchid in an empty valley.

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Xuan's eyes. He remembered that a year ago in Baidao Prefecture, this Young Miss Li Yanran still carried a hint of naiveté.

Now, seeing her again, her aura was introverted like a deep abyss, clearly indicating a great advancement in her Martial Arts Cultivation.

She had just entered the Outer Strength Grandmaster Realm!

Such rapid progress in her Martial Arts Realm; it seemed she had put in immense effort over the past year or so.

Their gazes met in the air. Lu Xuan did not approach, merely nodded slightly, transmitting a message secretly.

"Young Miss Yanran, it's been a long time; I hope you've been well!"

This simple gesture, however, struck Li Yanran like lightning. Her slender eyelashes trembled gently, and a joyful smile blossomed on her lips.

That smile was like a spring breeze sweeping over a frozen lake, instantly radiating charm, causing several young Cultivator around her to stare blankly.

"Senior Lu, you actually still remember me..."

Li Yanran lowered her head, gently stroking the Xuan Bird token at her waist, her fingertips trembling slightly.

She hadn't expected that after a year, this unfathomable supreme powerful being would still recognize her, a mere Huang Grade Xuan Niao Guard.